How you prepare

Uterine artery embolization usually is performed by an interventional radiologist or a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology who has training in uterine artery embolization.

On the evening before the procedure, don't eat or drink after midnight or after whatever time your doctor advised. If you're taking medications, ask your doctor if you should stop taking them before or after the procedure.

In the radiology procedure room, you'll have an intravenous (IV) line placed in one of your veins to give you fluids, anesthetics, antibiotics and pain medications. You'll also have a urinary catheter inserted into your bladder to keep the bladder empty during your treatment.

After the procedure, typically you'll be moved to a room for an overnight stay in the hospital and return home the next day.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Committee on Practice Bulletins — Gynecology. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 96. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. http://guideline.gov/content.aspx?id=13318. Accessed April 23, 2013.

Choi, et al. Is uterine artery embolization for patients with large myomas safe and effective? A retrospective comparison study in 323 patients. Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. In press. Accessed April 4, 2013.

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